The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has declared the Federal Government’s commitment to significantly boost Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity from the current 3,500 Megawatts (MW) to between 6,000 and 6,500MW in the next three to six months.
This ambitious plan is aimed at addressing the country’s escalating energy needs and enhancing power supply across Nigeria.
During a working visit to Lagos, where he inspected various power projects including the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and two 20 MVA injection substations, Adelabu emphasized the critical importance of increasing the nation’s power generation capacity to support industrial and economic growth. He voiced concerns over the existing power generation levels, deeming them inadequate for Nigeria’s development aspirations.
Adelabu praised the achievements of EKEDC over the past decade but stressed the necessity for ongoing improvements within the power sector. He highlighted the essential role of the sector in achieving sustained economic development and pointed out the stark contrast between Nigeria’s power generation and that of more industrialized nations like Korea and China.
Addressing the sector’s challenges, the Minister underscored the need for prioritizing baseload power generation and a gradual shift towards renewable energy sources. He also called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to tackle issues of power outages and enhance service delivery.
Furthermore, Adelabu discussed strategies for improving customer service and efficient operations among Distribution Companies (DisCos), including a focus on higher billing bands and strategic investments in infrastructure to broaden service reach.
The visit prompted positive responses from EKEDC’s leadership, with Chairman Mr Oritsedere Otubu and CEO Dr Tinuade Sanda expressing support for the government’s initiative and detailing the company’s efforts in infrastructure investment and collaboration to protect power assets and reduce vandalism.
This move by the Federal Government signals a strong commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s power sector and laying a foundation for sustainable economic growth through improved electricity supply and infrastructure development.
